LIES AND RUMOURS

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 5, 5 July 1940, Page 7

LIES AND RUMOURS

CHURCHILL'S ANSWER

"WO THOUGHT OF PEACE"

FIGHT TO THE END

{British Official Wireless.}

Received July 5, noon.)

RUGBY, July 4.

In his House of Commons speech, 'Mr. Churchill said that the time was mot one for doubts or weakness. He read to the House a message which had been sent to all those serving in ftmportant positions under the Crown.

Declaring that Britain was now on wftiat might be the eve of, invasion, the Pirime Minister exhorted firmness to alli; those holding responsible positions anfa stated that while every precaution must be taken, there were no grounds for supposing that more German troops could be landed than could be captured or destroyed by the forces at present under arms.

"The R.A.F.,'* the message continued. "is at?; the highest strength yet attained. Whil4 the German navy was never so weak; the British Army at home was never so strong."

Concluding his speech, Mr. Churchill said:. "I feel that we are entitled to the confidence of the House. They should entirely and readily believe that we havevnot failed in our duty, however painfial it may have been. The action we ha<ve already taken should in itself be sufficient to dispose, once and for all, of all lies and rumours which have been so* industriously spread in the United States and elsewhere by German propaganda, and which you meet with here, fostered by 'fifth column' activities.; These lies and rumours suggested that we had some intention of entering into negotiations with the German and Italian Governments. Any idea of that should be completely swept out of the way by the very drastic and grievous action we felt ourselves compelled to take. No, there is no thought of negotiation. There is no thought here, I say, in this country, whose love of peace has been proved for so long, of peace. We shall prosecute the wasr with the utmost vigour, by all the means open to us, until the righteous purpose for which we have entered upon it has been in all respects fulfillied."